This site is an archive of the OneSpace Forums. Return to forum index.
Thanks Mary, nice to have you back with us.
I know people who have managed to achieve a well balanced approach to parenting even though they are no longer together. It was something I had hoped for when I split but unfortunately it was not to be.
Hi allcharlie, did you come to a conclusion with the Eastenders quandary? I wouldn't let my daughter watch it when she was younger, then I found out she was watching the bumper episode at her grandparents house on a Sunday! So every now and then I would tell her what a load of tosh it was - she is not interested at all now! Although I do agree if you can watch it with your daughter some great conversations can come out of it.
As for her blackberry - yes my daughter has one too, every now and then, I say 'blimey your popular tonight, who are you talking to?' Just light hearted comments, and often she will tell me, its usually very banal stuff, but occassionally it is stuff that she is not sure how to deal with and I think she likes being able to share/discuss it.
I don't think I made myself clear. I DO believe, 100%, that children need both parents' input/love/nurture (I wasn't suggesting that they have to live together). However of course if one of those parents aren't pulling their weight/is no good for said child then the one parent can be enough. I certainly believe and hope so as I am a single mum whose son has a useless father who shows no interest at all.
Hi Anna, I am just trying to be like a white west indian at the moment and observe and be laid back. Easier said than done especially for me. From speaking to new social worker she has had far too much dictatorial behaviour of late so am trying to go with the flow but if there is something that is fundamentally important to pull her up about then I have to act - otherwise go with the flow as as generally being suggested above. Thats good enough for me!!
Sounds like a plan allcharlie, pick your battles (something I need to learn).
I would have to second the "picking your battles" as long as they know your boundaries and any house rules, you know like being in bed by 10, then the rest you pick wisely 
Yeah trying to learn quickly - I hate to say it but I just dont seem to really know her any more. She has changed so much. There is also an element of me not trusting her as she is so loyal to her mum despite everything her mother has put her through. It will be interesting to see what the future holds :-S
Good luck, allcharlie.
Let us know how it's going for you and your daughter - and if there's anything that's proving difficult to be laid back about'!
Another valuable comment, pq. Nice to 'see' you again by the way x